Museums are magical places. They have this innate ability to transport us into unchartered territories; to places, we’ve never been and to cultures, we’ve never experienced. Without museums, humanity without a doubt would be less emphatic and harsh.
Today, we’re talking about one such museum. It’s the Museum of Islamic art and it’s in Doha, Qatar. Well, now you’ve got one good reason to apply for that Qatar Visa this summer.
Even if you visit Qatar for just one place, make sure it’s the Museum of Islamic Art. If you happen to fly from India, make sure to visit Musafir India; from online visa application to great ticket prices, they are a great travel firm to do business with.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has become an integral part of the Dohan landscape. Among the glittering glass skyscrapers and restaurants is a museum set on its very own island.
As you spot the building, it will remind many of a postmodern fortress with its design and minimal windows. The building’s design draws inspiration from ancient Islamic architecture, especially the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. The museum houses collections from three continents on Islamic arts. It’s a place where you get a rewarding exposure to Islam.
Renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei whose credits include the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris designed the building. It was Pei’s idea to construct a stand-alone island for MIA because he didn’t want any other building to encroach it. The museum’s main building rises five floors, a park with extensive landscaped lawns and trees surround it. The museum’s facilities include a gift shop, classrooms, prayer halls, ablution facilities, a restaurant, and a theatre as well.
The museum collection is impressive, to say the least. The MIA aims to showcase the history of Islamic art world spanning over a thousand years. The collection includes ceramics, metalwork, glass, manuscripts, and textiles. A good way to explore and learn from the museum collections is through the free guided tours, held every Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm, they are free of cost.
Qatar and Doha’s expansion and rise have a motive. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former ruling Emir of Qatar wanted to make Qatar the capital of culture. The Museum of Islamic Art was the result of this endeavour. The museum’s vision it to become the centre of knowledge, dialogue, and learning that throws light on Islamic art.
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